US airlines operating transatlantic routes have lifted strict Covid mask rules after a court decision. Delta, American Airlines, United and Alaska Airlines said masks would no longer be compulsory on some international services after a Florida judge ruled that a 14-month-old mask mandate was unlawful.
Previously, US government officials had extended the mask ruling until May 3, but this caused several protests. The court decision means that the US government's Transport Security Administration (TSA) will no force passengers to wear masks on-board flights. However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends travellers continue to wear them.
The government said in a statement: “Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its security directives and emergency amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new security directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow (Tuesday).
“CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.”
The relaxation of mask rules came after a judge ruled the CDC had exceeded its authority with the mandate. It was immediately welcomed by the major US airlines.
Delta Air Lines stated: “Following the ruling of a US district court judge on Monday, the Biden administration announced that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks in all US airports and on board aircraft. Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside US airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights.
“We are relieved to see the US mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as Covid-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus.
United Airlines added: “Effective immediately, masks are no longer required at United on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements) or at U.S. airports.”
But American Airlines commented: “The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear a face mask in indoor public transportation settings, but they aren’t required to be worn in airport settings or on your flight unless an individual jurisdiction has these requirements.”
The mask requirement for travellers was the target of months of lobbying from the airlines, which sought to kill it. The carriers argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during a flight highly unlikely.
Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, and yet Covid-19 cases have fallen sharply since the Omicron variant peaked in mid-January.
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